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Futures Hours and Margins

Understanding Futures
Trading Hours and
Margins

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Know when futures markets are open and understand how margin requirements can affect your trading decisions.

Futures trading hours and margins

Trading hours and margin requirements vary by product and exchange. Use the table below to find the latest information before placing a trade.

Understanding margin requirements

Margin is the amount of capital required to open and maintain a futures position. While margin can help traders control larger contract values with less capital, it is important to understand how different margin requirements apply throughout the trading day.

Initial margin

The amount of capital required to open a new futures position.

Maintenance margin

The minimum account balance typically required to keep a position open.

Day trade margin

A reduced margin requirement that may apply during designated intraday trading sessions. 

Overnight margin

The margin requirement that applies when positions are held beyond the intraday session.

Trading platform displaying futures market charts and account tools related to margin requirements and risk management.

Why futures traders choose StoneX

StoneX provides transparent access to regulated futures markets with tools and resources designed to help traders understand margin requirements before placing a trade. StoneX delivers:

Transparency

Review margin requirements and account considerations before placing a futures trade.

Regulated exchanges

Trade exchange-listed futures through regulated markets and centralized clearing. 

Competitive intraday margins

Eligible traders may benefit from intraday margin opportunities where available. 

Futures trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.

Futures margin accessibility and contract sizing

Not all futures contracts require the same level of capital. Many traders choose between Micro, E-mini and standard-sized futures contracts based on their goals and available capital. Smaller contract sizes may provide lower notional exposure, but traders should always review contract specifications and applicable margin requirements before trading.

Close-up of market charts and price movements illustrating futures margin accessibility, contract sizing and market analysis.

Intraday margins and active trading strategies

Many active traders monitor intraday margin opportunities as part of their trading approach. Intraday and overnight margin requirements may differ, so traders should understand session cutoffs before holding positions beyond the trading day.

Trader reviewing market information on a laptop, representing intraday margin trading and active futures trading strategies.

Related futures tools

Trading hours, margin requirements and market activity can change over time. Explore related tools that can help you monitor markets, review contract information and plan trades more effectively.

Hours and margins table

Review trading schedules and margin information by contract.

Futures Calendar

Track important market events and economic releases. 

Futures Quotes and charts

Monitor futures pricing and market activity.

Futures Calculator

Estimate contract values and evaluate trade scenarios.

The trading of derivatives such as futures, options, and over-the-counter (OTC) products or “swaps” may not be suitable for all investors. Derivatives trading involves substantial risk of loss, and you should fully understand the risks prior to trading. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

Hours and margins FAQs

StoneX: We open markets

Our market expertise, advanced platforms, global reach, culture of full transparency and commitment to our clients’ success all set us apart in the financial marketplace.

Reach

With access to 40+ derivatives exchanges, 180+ foreign exchange markets, nearly every global securities marketplace and numerous bi-lateral liquidity venues, StoneX’s digital network and deep relationships can take clients anywhere they want to go.

Transparency

As a publicly traded company meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance in the markets we serve, our financials and record of accomplishment are matters of public record. StoneX’s commitment to “doing the right thing over the easy thing” sets us apart in the industry and helps us build respect, client trust and new partnerships.

Expertise

From our proprietary Market Intelligence platform, to “boots on the ground” expertise from award-winning traders and professionals, we connect our clients directly to actionable insights they can use to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals in the global markets.